During my first semester, Tufts has proven itself to be the right school for me. Everyday my classes, friends and student groups at Tufts affirm my decision to become part of the Tufts community. Tufts thrives off the constant support students give to each other. I am strongly encouraged to try new things, which has caused me to join ultimate frisbee, take a class on Zen Buddhism and apply for lab positions as a freshman. Though I am in the library often, I truly enjoy almost all my readings and assignments. My professors this semester created engaging and challenging environments that I was excited to be a part of. After this semester, I am planning on majoring in biopsychology, and I am looking forward to exploring that field further. The process of finding a new community and interests has been very exciting, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to be doing that at Tufts.
Madeleine Moore - University of Chicago
My past year at the University of Chicago has been thrilling. Over the summer, I was granted a scholarship from my school to travel to Cuba to improve my Spanish and learn about the culture. I lived in a small apartment in a residential neighborhood of Havana, known as Vedado. Each day in Havana brought new adventures from mastering public transportation, taking salsa classes, walking into a celebration of Carnival, and discussing the politics and economics of Cuba with my neighbors. Cuba is a rapidly changing country that I highly recommend visiting. This academic year I have been able to dive deeper into my major of Economics, which never ceases to amaze and challenge me. In addition to classes, I have continued to participate in the Model United Nations Club. This year, I was granted the opportunity to run two committees, one based in Brazil in 2014 and the other in China in 1912. Overall, my experience with the University of Chicago has been delightful and has provided me with so many opportunities. I am grateful for MVYouth and their generous support of my education.
Charles Parkhurst - UCLA
What a tremendous year it’s been for me here in Los Angeles. It’s impossible to detail all of the virtues of this amazing journey - a journey that I never would have gotten to experience had it not been for the efforts and generosity of MVYouth. I’ve just recently wrapped up fall quarter for my second time. Although living in my fraternity and taking an extra class made for a busy few months, I managed to tackle each one while also waking up at six in the morning or earlier on a regular basis to trade on the stock market. I may just be in my second year, but I’m already sad thinking that I’m a third of the way through my time here. In little over a year I’ve formed lifelong friendships, studied with world class professors, and grown astoundingly in capability and self reliance. Looking back on life altering experiences, there is nothing more wonderful to happen to me than receiving this support from MVYouth. Thank you!
Anne Ollen - Barnard College
My first few months at Barnard have flown by, but I have already experienced so much. My academic classes are challenging but rewarding. Everyday I learn a great deal from my professors and peers. Since arriving I have joined a youth-mentor group, the Columbia Against Cancer Society, and the Committee for Student Life at Barnard. These groups have allowed me to actively engage with my new community. Life in New York has given me a variety of new opportunities. I have attended a UN Committee Panel, a TED talk, a fashion show, and even a few Broadway shows. I am excited to see what the next three years have in store for me. As a result of my scholarship, I can take advantage of every opportunity without the worry of debt. I am so grateful to be attending my dream school and to be living in this amazing city!
Lee Faraca - Cal Poly
First and foremost, let me thank you again for your generosity. Transitioning from 18 years in a small community to a 20,000+ college across the States has been a huge change. There’s some adjustment, but I’m meeting new people and experiencing so much. Engineering is a lot more work than I thought it would be. Cal Poly’s motto is “learn by doing”, and they focus heavily on concepts and hands on learning. Yesterday I did some engineering surveying in a cow pasture, which was a nice break from hours of calculus homework. And yes, engineers do have social lives. The week is busy: class, homework, and a little pick up soccer, but the weekends are open for trips to Yosemite, Avila Beach, and LA. All of this has been possible because of MVYouth, an organization I’m deeply grateful for and indebted to.
Galya Walt - Tufts University
This year I decided to take a gap year to study in Jerusalem before attending Tufts University. I am part of a program of 39 American and Israeli teenagers studying, volunteering and interning together. Each day here reaffirms my decision to take time to develop my interests before diving into college life. I have been studying Jewish philosophy and texts alongside a wide range of people who constantly force me to question my own ideas and truths. Twice a week I volunteer with Eritrean refugees at an after school program. We are building personal bonds with them and it feels good to be a steady force in their lives. I am so grateful to MVYouth for giving me the opportunity to spend time learning about myself, my culture and my interests so I will be more mature and ready to fully seize my college experience next fall when my scholarship officially begins.
Madeleine Moore - University of Chicago
Each day invites a new adventure. Currently, I am enrolled in four different classes. In one of my classes we are discussing Bhagavad Gita, which is a portion of text from the Mahabharata touching on the role of dharma, knowledge, and death in one’s life. This discussion, with only the students and the professor, was the most powerful, confusing, and influential discussion I have ever been a part of. Not only is the University of Chicago incredible, but the city of Chicago is full of opportunity. Museums, architecture, waterfronts, pizza three inches tall, and giant sculptures of food are just a few things you can find on a casual stroll along the streets of Chicago. MVYouth has allowed me to focus all my energy into my classes without having to worry about getting a job or paying the bill each quarter. I am receiving an incredible education and exploring a fantastic city thanks to MVYouth.
Charles Parkhurst - UCLA
UCLA really is the dream school that I imagined it to be. Traveling three thousand miles from home into the college world has been my greatest step yet towards true adulthood. Now, only a few months in, I have already had so many amazing experiences. Studying with world class professors, pledging the fraternity of Beta Theta Pi, and learning to live and manage all my responsibilities has already been quite the exciting journey. The rigorous academic workload and competition, made more difficult by some of my own medical complications, has been stressful and formidable at times, but has been a great success so far. The challenge is motivating and rewarding. I’m extremely excited for the future and immensely grateful for the opportunity that MVYouth has given me to spend the next four years at such an astounding institution.